Corporate Christmas Gifts: Complete Guide for Businesses in 2026
Planning corporate Christmas gifts? Find gift ideas sorted by budget, Norwegian tax rules you need to know, and a timeline for ordering. Start early to guarantee delivery before Christmas.
Christmas gifts for employees and clients are more than a pleasant tradition. They are an investment in relationships, workplace culture and brand building. A thoughtful gift shows that your company values the people around it, and the right gift is remembered long after the holiday decorations are put away.
But how much should you spend? What do the Norwegian tax rules say? And when do you actually need to order to make it in time for Christmas? This guide covers everything you need to know about corporate Christmas gifts in Norway.
Why give corporate Christmas gifts?
Corporate Christmas gifts serve three purposes: retaining employees, strengthening client relationships and building your brand.
Employees who feel valued stay longer. In a competitive talent market, the Christmas gift is a tangible way to show appreciation. Research consistently shows that recognition is one of the most important factors for employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Clients remember those who go the extra mile. A thoughtful Christmas gift sets you apart from competitors. It creates a lasting positive impression and gives you a natural reason to reach out without selling.
Your brand travels with the gift. Branded gifts provide exposure every time the recipient uses them. A thermal mug with your logo on an office desk, a jacket with an embroidered company name, an umbrella pulled out in the rain: all of this is advertising that feels like a gift, not an advert. Read our guide on branded promotional products for tips on product selection and printing methods.
Gift ideas by budget
Your budget determines what is possible, but a good gift does not have to be expensive. Here are concrete ideas sorted by price range.
| Price range | Example gifts | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Under NOK 200 | Stickers, branded pens, chocolate with company ribbon, reflectors | Giveaways, trade shows, large client groups |
| NOK 200-500 | Thermal mugs, notebooks, cotton tote bags, USB chargers, small gift hampers | Employees, regular clients, partners |
| NOK 500-1,000 | Hoodies with embroidery, steel water bottles, power banks, gift hampers | Employees, key clients, team gifts |
| NOK 1,000+ | Branded jackets, exclusive gift sets, electronics, experience vouchers | Management, key accounts, long-term employees |
The most popular corporate Christmas gifts in Norway are practical items people actually use: thermal mugs, food gifts, textiles and tech products. Avoid gifts that end up in a drawer. Instead, ask yourself: "Would I personally appreciate this?"
Gift ideas by recipient
For employees
Employees prefer gifts with a personal touch. That does not mean individually customised gifts, but that you have considered what they actually need. Popular choices include warm jackets with a subtle logo, thermal mugs, experience gift cards and gourmet food hampers with local specialities.
For hybrid workers, home office accessories are a smart choice: a quality notebook, a wireless charger or noise-cancelling earbuds.
For clients and partners
Client gifts should represent quality and thoughtfulness. Premium food gifts, chocolate and coffee gift sets, or useful office items with discreet branding are reliable choices. The key is that the gift feels like a personal gesture, not an advertisement.
Keep in mind that gifts to business contacts have separate tax rules (more on that below).
For large groups
When you need gifts for many people, standardised branded items are the most practical option. Promotional products such as thermal mugs, t-shirts or tote bags can be ordered in bulk at a low unit cost. Consider pairing them with a personal Christmas greeting to add a human touch.
Corporate Christmas gift trends in 2026
The gifting market is changing. Here is what dominates in 2026.
Sustainability is expected, not a bonus. More companies are choosing gifts made from recycled materials, bamboo and organic cotton. Gifts with environmental certifications signal that your company takes responsibility. We offer a wide range of sustainable promotional products.
Local products are gaining ground. Geopolitical uncertainty and increased supply chain awareness make locally produced gifts feel more valuable. Local food, Norwegian design and regional craftsmanship are trending.
Tech gifts remain popular. Wireless earbuds, power banks and portable speakers with your logo are practical gifts people use daily. Hybrid work has amplified the demand for quality tech accessories.
Experiences beat things. Gift cards for spa treatments, dining experiences, concerts or activities create memories instead of clutter. Particularly popular among younger employees.
Wellness and mental health. Gifts that signal care for employee wellbeing, such as scented candles, yoga mats, tea gift boxes or meditation app subscriptions, are growing in popularity.
Tax rules for corporate Christmas gifts in Norway
The tax rules for employee gifts in Norway are important to understand. Here is an overview of the current regulations.
Gifts to employees
Employees can receive gifts tax-free up to NOK 5,000 per year (combined value of all gifts throughout the year). The gift cannot be cash, but gift cards that cannot be redeemed for money are permitted.
If the value exceeds NOK 5,000, the employee must pay tax on the amount above the threshold. The employer must also pay employer's national insurance contributions on the excess.
Employers receive a tax deduction for the cost of Christmas gifts, but there is no deduction for input VAT.
Gifts to clients and business contacts
Gifts to clients are generally not tax-deductible, for either income tax or VAT purposes. The exceptions are:
- Token gifts of negligible value (flowers, confectionery, a bottle of wine) are tax-free and deductible.
- Branded promotional gifts with clearly visible logo are deductible as advertising costs, provided the unit price does not exceed NOK 317 and they are intended for a larger number of recipients.
Summary of thresholds
| Category | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Tax-free gifts to employees | NOK 5,000/year |
| Anniversary gifts (wedding, retirement, milestone birthdays) | NOK 4,000 |
| Branded promotional gifts to clients | NOK 317/unit |
Rules can change, so always verify with the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) for the latest information.
Timeline for ordering corporate Christmas gifts
The most common mistake companies make is ordering too late. Popular products sell out, and delivery times increase sharply in October and November. Start planning early.
| Month | What you should do |
|---|---|
| June-August | Start thinking about budget, recipients and gift types. Check tax-free thresholds. |
| September | Choose gifts, approve design and logo placement, place your order. This is the most important deadline. |
| October | Last chance for orders with branding. Confirm delivery addresses and quantities. |
| November | Gifts should already be ordered. Prepare packaging, Christmas cards and distribution. |
| First week of December | Distribute gifts to employees. Send gifts to clients and partners. |
For branded gifts with printing or embroidery, allow at least 3-4 weeks for delivery. If you order in September, you have comfortable margin. If you wait until November, suppliers are likely fully booked.
Making your gift stand out: packaging and presentation
Packaging matters more than most people think. A beautiful gift in a plain brown paper bag loses much of its impact. A few simple steps make a big difference:
- Gift wrap or boxes in your company colours reinforce your brand and create a professional impression
- A personal Christmas card with a handwritten greeting shows that someone actually thought about the recipient
- Gift ribbon or stickers with your logo are a subtle way to brand without overdoing it
- Branded Christmas sacks are popular and create a festive atmosphere during distribution
We can help with everything from logo stickers to packaging and gift boxes with your company profile.
Order corporate Christmas gifts from Show Off AS
Show Off AS delivers promotional products and branded gifts with your logo to businesses across Norway. We assist you from product selection, through design and proof approval, to finished delivery. With production in Sandnes and nationwide shipping, we make sure your Christmas gifts arrive on time.
Contact us now to secure delivery before Christmas. The earlier you order, the better the selection and pricing.
Get in touch for a no-obligation quote, or read more about our promotional products and branding options.
Frequently asked questions about corporate Christmas gifts
How much can I give employees tax-free as a Christmas gift?
The tax-free threshold for gifts to employees in Norway is NOK 5,000 per year (combined for all gifts throughout the year). The gift cannot be cash, but gift cards that cannot be redeemed for money are permitted.
When should I order branded Christmas gifts?
Order by September at the latest to ensure delivery of branded gifts with printing or embroidery before Christmas. Standard delivery time for promotional products is 3-4 weeks, but during peak season (October-November) it can take longer.
What are the most popular corporate Christmas gifts?
Thermal mugs, food gifts, textiles (hoodies, jackets), tech accessories (power banks, wireless chargers) and gift hampers are among the most popular choices for Norwegian businesses.
Are gifts to clients tax-deductible in Norway?
Gifts to clients are generally not tax-deductible. Exceptions: branded promotional gifts with clearly visible logo under NOK 317 per unit, and token gifts of negligible value (flowers, confectionery).
What is the minimum order quantity for branded gifts?
Minimum quantities vary by product. For most promotional products, the minimum is 25-50 pieces. Contact us for exact pricing and minimum quantities for the product you are interested in.